C12 She Was Pregnant

"Shaoan, come over here. Let me introduce you to some of the ladies," Hai Xia called out, clearly displeased with her daughter's closeness to Xinyue. She felt like her daughter was clinging to Xinyue like a shadow, always preferring an outsider over family.

Next to Hai Xia stood a woman dressed in elegant, high-end fashion, carrying a classic designer bag worth a fortune. Her earrings were a limited edition from a designer, and the diamonds sparkled brilliantly under the lights.

Noticing a young woman standing beside Fu Shaoan, the woman inquired curiously, "And who is this?"

"This is my daughter-in-law. She's not fond of socializing," Hai Xia replied. Mrs. Ming was a new acquaintance, coming from a very prominent family with numerous mines, earning as much as the Fu family each year. Hai Xia had once hoped to connect their families, knowing Mrs. Ming had a younger daughter who was a perfect match for her son, Shaochen, in both age and accomplishments. However, the family patriarch favored Xinyue, so the idea was dropped.

It wasn't that Xinyue disliked socializing; rather, Hai Xia felt her background wasn't prestigious enough to present to her circle of affluent friends, so she often left her out of gatherings.

"Your daughter-in-law is truly beautiful. She reminds me so much of my late sister," Mrs. Ming remarked. The sister she referred to wasn't her own but her husband's, who had run off with a man in her youth.

After returning home, she informed her family that she had a serious illness and wouldn't have much longer to live. Within a few months, she passed away. Old Mrs. Ming was so heartbroken over her daughter's death that she became ill herself, choosing to stay home and devote herself to her faith.

This was well-known among their social circle, so Hai Xia, not wanting to upset Mrs. Ming, took her and the other ladies aside for a chat. The banquet was progressing smoothly, and Elder Fu was in high spirits, reconnecting with many old friends he hadn't seen in years.

When it was time to cut the cake, blow out the candles, and make a wish, someone asked Elder Fu, "Elder Fu, what's your birthday wish? Would you share it with us?"

"Yes, we're all family here. Please, go ahead," another encouraged.

Elder Fu, smiling warmly, looked at Jiang Xinyue and Fu Shaochen and said, "I hope my grandson and granddaughter-in-law will make me proud and give me a great-grandchild this year."

All eyes turned to Xinyue and Shaochen. Xinyue thought to herself, Elder Fu, your great-grandchild is on the way, but I'm sorry, you won't get to meet them. Otherwise, Fu Shaochen might insist on something I can't bear.

Even though it was Elder Fu's birthday celebration, Xinyue avoided looking at Shaochen. Just the sight of him made her feel sick, reminding her of the day she found him with that other woman.

Suddenly, the phone rang. Xinyue stepped aside to a quiet corner to answer it.

"Is this Ms. Jiang? This is Qingqing. Can we talk?" The woman's voice was sweet and upbeat, suggesting she was in a good mood.

"What's up? Here to gloat?" Xinyue retorted sarcastically, though her voice was flat and emotionless.

"I'm just advising you to sign the divorce papers quickly. Otherwise, a pregnant bride in a wedding dress won't be a pretty sight," Qingqing said before hanging up.

Pregnant? She's expecting too?

Xinyue's mind buzzed, and a wave of bitterness washed over her. Shaochen chose that woman and her child over her and her baby. They would have a happy home, and their child would have a father's love. Meanwhile, her baby was unwanted by its father, who even insisted she terminate the pregnancy. What a cruel irony.

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